CheekyChicago

Pop question: What’s one of the coolest things about Chicago? Is it the Mag Mile? The angst-ridden rivalry betwixt the Cubbies and Sox? Maybe you’re thinking Millennium Park. Or that damn fine lakefront? Well, as of last Sunday, I have my own personal answer to what I believe is Chicago’s ultimate cool-factor. Ladies and gentlemen, do not underestimate the neighborhood bar. Very few cities can boast the plethora of those infamous “where-everybody-knows-your-name” joints. Seriously – pay attention to your own neighborhood and you’ll see…they’re everywhere!

Neighborhood bars are generally known for the jovial bartenders and dollar PBR’s. What could be sweeter? How about an amazing food menu, cocktail list and wine selections? Well, Brownstone may just be your place…and I mean – your place. It’s the perfect blend of that down-home feel mixed with a hip crowd. Wear a skirt or wear your sneakers. That’s the beauty of it. And since we are talking about neighborhood bars, let’s do what they do best there. Talk. (You thought I was going to say drink, didn’t you? We’ll get there.) Particularly, let’s talk about the food. The spicy red-pepper hummus is not to be missed, but really – neither is the ooey-gooey spinach dip. Skip the salad and chow down on the delectable fish tacos with chipotle mayo, queso fresco, cabbage and shrimp. It’s rare when a joint like this can get fish tacos right, but Brownstone far surpasses even some authentic Mexican haunts. Wash it down with a Valley of the Moon red zin, or a “White Cosmo” or a Wild Blue Blueberry Lager (after you’ve imbibed in the skillet cookie a la mode, of course) and you may be asking yourself: “Since when did neighborhood bars go Cheeky?”

Brownstone is sleek but cozy, friendly and ultimately so laid-back I could probably hang out here all day and actually forget that I am indeed in a bar. A gleaming cherry wood bar takes up most of the space (with over 15 beers on tap), the booths are cushy and you couldn’t find a warmer crew of staff. Even the bar-backs chat you up with smiles.

Brownstone is also known for their special events and nightly specials. March Madness is taking over the bar all month long with $4 Miller Lite stadium cups, $5 burgers and more. But perhaps the greatest night of the week at Brownstone is Sunday Funday. Pop question: What old school game is more fun than you realized? Trivia! (Duh.) Every Sunday, the tavern hosts the most challenging, well-organized game of crazy questions I’ve ever seen. Play for prizes and the chance to get half off your bill.

Final question: What’s the best part of going to a neighborhood bar? Going with your best girlfriend. Because the truth is, nothing gets homier (or cheekier) than that.